A COMMUNITY OPTION THAT WORKS

As the cost of a college education continues to rise people continue to question the wisdom of pursuing a degree.Nevertheless, in my mind the smart money will always be on the person who pursues higher education.

Therefore, I was heartened to see William D. Green (chairman of Accenture) took the time to write to Newsweek recently to throw his opinion into the debate.Newsweek, as well as several other magazines, journals, and newspapers, have been publishing much about the ongoing debate.Green spoke up for the excellent option of the community college (Letters: The College Bubble 10/15/12):

My advice to this years high-school seniors is to consider enrolling in one of our countrys more than 1,100 community colleges, which are terrific options, especially if youre undecided about your career goals.Education, after all, is a major investment of time and money, and making the right education choices can make a huge difference in a young persons life. (p. 2)

Not only is Greens advice professionally profitable, but I can say it is personally profitable tooit worked for me.

Many years ago (I wont say how long), as I was graduating from high school, I still had serious questions about the next best step for me.One thing I did know was I had a profound interest in chemistry.With that awareness, and the helpful counsel of several key adults, I entered the chemical technology program at Broome Community college in Binghamton, New York.

Long story shortbefore finishing my final semester of that program, I had two job offers from blue chip corporations.Upon graduating with my AAS degree, I immediately stepped into a marvelous career with Eastman Kodak Company.Pell grants, scholarships, and the notoriously low tuition of community colleges, all enabled me to begin my professional career with very little debt.

The community college atmosphere, the academic discipline, the dedicated instructors, and the carefully thought-out curriculum all gave me a tremendously powerful educational experience.It was that experience that laid the foundation for all subsequent academic and professional pursuits of my life.When Green endorses the community college option, I can absolutely agree with him.

Every students life and circumstances are of course different.The community college option is not automatically the best choice for everyone.Nevertheless, it has been and continues to be an excellent choice for many students.